U.S. fashion designer Willy Chavarria has apologized after a sandal he designed in collaboration with Adidas Originals was criticized for cultural appropriation by Indigenous communities in Mexico.
The sandal, called the “Oaxaca Slip-On,” drew inspiration from traditional huaraches leather footwear handcrafted by Indigenous artisans from Oaxaca.
The design, which was produced in China, sparked condemnation from Mexican officials and local communities for lacking consultation with or credit to the original creators.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke out at a press conference: “Big companies often take products, ideas and designs from Indigenous communities.” She added: “We are looking at the legal part to be able to support them.”
Chavarria said in a statement to the BBC: “I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community.”
He added: “The intention was always to honor the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities, a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me. The name Oaxaca is not just a word, its living culture, its people, and its history.”
Marina Nunez, Mexico’s deputy culture minister, confirmed Adidas has contacted officials in Oaxaca to discuss “restitution to the people who were plagiarised.”
Adidas issued an emailed statement saying: “We recognize and value the cultural richness of Mexico’s Indigenous communities and the meaning of their artisanal heritage.”
Following the controversy, Adidas and Chavarria removed promotional images of the sandals from their social media accounts.
Chavarria, of Mexican heritage and former senior vice president of design at Calvin Klein until 2024, is founder and chief creative officer of his namesake fashion label.
Mexican authorities have accused Adidas of plagiarizing indigenous designs and have demanded the sandal’s withdrawal. The government is preparing legal reforms to better protect traditional handicrafts from unauthorized use.
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